nicklaforge

Hello,

Is a double major in Computer Science and Engineering and Physics feasible? Or is Computer Science and Physics more realistic? On the other hand, even though Computer Science seems to give more freedom in electives than Computer Science and Engineering, I would assume those vacancies could not simply be filled with Physics courses.

Thanks.

flopsy

I don't think it's feasible, sorry. Physics is one of the most brutal majors outside the School of Engineering, and there aren't any Physics courses that contribute to the CS/CSE major in terms of GEs (and vice versa). You'll probably need five or six years to graduate since you'll need to take ~250 units to fulfill both majors. I know one person who majored in Computer Science and chose Physics to satisfy his coherent group (sort of like his minor), but he is far from being a normal person...

nicklaforge

Thanks.

I suppose Computer Engineering is a form of applied physics anyway. Perhaps it is best to defer any further pursuit of physics until graduate school.

jam3rz

hey flopsy,

i am a high school senior who will be attending UCLA in the fall. my current intended major is biophysics, and i have a couple questions.

1) how difficult, to your knowledge, is biophysics as a major? do you know how difficult it would be to maintain a high (3.5+) gpa?

2) i've read the previous posts about how difficult bioengineering is, but i am still considering trying to change my major to bioengineering. how difficult would it be to change my major to bioengineering? do you know the process required to do so?

thank you in advance for your help.

yuilife

Hey Flopsy, Does a 5 on the AP Calc BC exam allow me to skip out of the math diagnostic exam during orientation? I got a phone call like weeks ago and the lady said I can skip out of it if i receive a 3 or higher on AP calc exam but I the UCLA website it says that a 3+ on the ap calc exam will not suffice. So, do you know which one is true?

flopsy

1. I can't answer this question, sorry -- I don't know any Biophysics majors here, and the major is too new to have any sort of on-campus reputation for difficulty. I would expect the difficulty to be as hard as straight Physics, where the average GPA is about a 2.85.

2. To change your major to Bioengineering, you have to visit the HSSEAS Office of Academics and Student Affairs (6426 Boelter Hall) and sign up for a "Change of Major into CS/CSE/EE/BioE" appointment using the clipboard on the front desk. At your appointment, you'll meet face-to-face with one of the CS/CSE/EE/BioE departmental counselors, who will explain which courses you need to take and what grades you need to get (usually B+/A-) to change majors into CS/CSE/EE/BioE. After you've taken those courses (i.e. by the end of your sophomore year) you then formally apply for a change of major by filling out a yellow petition form (available at the same office) with your personal info, grades (which will be verified), and an essay explaining your intent to change majors into the HSSEAS.

flopsy

Yes, a 5 on the AP Calculus BC exam exempts you from taking the Mathematics Diagnostic Exam... It doesn't make sense to take it, since the purpose of the exam is to determine eligibility to take Math 31A, and you're going directly into Math 32A.

TonyLovesRHCP

What sucks about that is the AP scores won't be available 'till the end of July.. and I'm going to try and get an orientation session towards the beginning of July. Is it okay for me not to take the test if I'm pretty sure I got a 4/5?

flopsy

I would suggest you take the Math Diagnostic Test anyways, just to be on the safe side.

Citan

I will be transferring this fall into EE...how many classes should I take the first quarter? Here's what Im planning

CS 32
EE 2
EEM16
A GE course

is that feasible for my first quarter?

flopsy

I honestly don't think that's feasible. CS 32 is the hardest course out of your course list by far, and I strongly suggest you take three courses your first quarter at UCLA, especially if you're going to be taking CS 32 at that time, because it's quite time-consuming.

By the way, have you played the game Xenogears (PSX)?

Citan

^^ ah thanks...yea CS 32 scares me...I think I need to brush up on my C++. Anyway along with CS 32 and a GE what other course should I take? which is easier EE 2 or EEM16?

of course I have...would I get "Citan" out of thin air?

GrassPuppet

Flopsy,

I would like to know how good the counseling is at UCLA, because the academic counseling at my JC was not really helpful.

Thanks

jam3rz

hey flopsy, thanks for your previous help. i've got another question i hope you can entertain

i'm currently enrolled in calculus at a local community college (but i am a high school student). does this allow me to skip the math diagnostic?

thanks in advance for your help

j0b0sapi3n

Does engineering (CSE in particular) require one to take government and economics? (as in does taking the gov AP and econ AP test even help me?) I looked on the website, but it's sort of confusing lol